We did not sit on genomic biosurveillance — DoH

(It is not true) that we just saw its importance now. We have been doing the whole genome sequencing ever since the UK variant became a threat across the globe

The Department of Health (DoH) on Tuesday denied claims that the agency is running against time to strengthen the genomic biosurveillance in the country.

“(It is not true) that we just saw its importance now. We have been doing the whole genome sequencing ever since the UK variant became a threat across the globe,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual media briefing.

Vergeire added that since the detection of the Alpha variant in the United Kingdom in December last year, the agency has already started to plan the full genome sequencing in the country.

The statement came after the agency previously admitted the need to improve the genomic biosurveillance in the country as the Philippine Genome Center (PGC), which oversees detecting new Covid-19 variants can only accommodate 750 samples per week.

She said the DoH is waiting for the arrival of the procured extraction machines to improve the genome sequencing in the country.

To date, the official said the PGC has five big machines that can process whole genome sequencing in the country. She also mentioned that there are smaller machines available with capacities of 45 samples for most urgent sequencing reports.

Vergeire admitted that aside from lack of equipment, the country also lacks highly-skilled personnel who will operate these equipment.

“We did not just need machines to do whole genome sequencing, we also needed manpower. These personnel should be very skilled, people who do whole genome sequencing are highly-skilled,” she said.

“We also need additional reagents and extraction machines. We need more resources so that we can be able to double our current capacity,” she added.

The Health official said the agency is aware with these problems and now working to improve the genomic biosurveillance in the country

“We have already secured reagents until the end of the year with the funds that the DoH has provided to the PGC,” she said.

She also said the Health department has partnered with the University of the Philippines for the expansion of the genomic sequencing process throughout the country.

“We now have a plan for the expansion of our whole genome sequencing process to strategic areas in the country. We will use the UP network, we have the UP-Visayas and UP-Mindanao wherein we are to capacitate right now, she added.

She said the agency is hoping to expand the genome sequencing process in the said areas before the end of the year.